Popcorn machines with lighting effects and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

Popcorn machines having lighting effects provided by use of at least one LED light source are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/906,158, filed Nov. 19, 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to corn popping apparatus, suchas popcorn machines, and more particularly to improvements relating tolighting within such popcorn machines and methods of using new lightingapparatus.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Corn popping apparatus may take various forms, but when intending tomake repeated batches of popped corn, it is common to utilize whatgenerally is known as a popcorn machine, with such a machine having ahousing or cabinet, which includes a cavity in which a heated kettleassembly is located to pop the corn and in which the popped corn is atleast collected and temporarily stored. The housing may include glass ortransparent side panels through which the kettle assembly and poppedcorn within the cavity may be viewed. This may serve to drivedesirability for the popped corn, while also displaying the quantity ofpopped corn available.

Such popcorn machines may be configured to stand alone, such as whenplaced on a counter or table top. The machines also may be configured tobe placed on top of a cart, which may for decoration have a nostalgicappearance, or a cart may be incorporated into a base unit of a machine.A cart may be used for portability of the machine and/or to provide amore fanciful display. These types of machines may be in configurationsand of sizes that would be suitable for personal or home use. They alsomay be somewhat larger, such as for use in a business in any of a numberof settings, for example, in waiting areas of businesses that do nototherwise serve food, such as automobile dealerships or banks, or inrestaurants, or establishments that might be called a bar or tavern.Frankly, they may be used in any suitable environment having a poweroutlet or socket and where it might be desirable to be able to enjoyfreshly popped corn. The inventive aspects disclosed herein can beapplied to machines of these various sizes, and some may be useful evenwith larger machines that are intended for extensive production, such asin movie theaters or other vending environments.

The common structure for the housing of many popcorn machines generallyincludes a base unit, four corner columns, glass or other transparentside panels, and an upper unit. The side panels typically are fixedbetween the columns on three sides of the housing, while on a fourthside there may be hinge assemblies for pivotal connection of one or moreside panels that serve as operator access doors.

The base unit or upper unit may include a controller and/or switches toenable an operator to manage the supply of power to the machine'selectrical components. For instance, the base unit also may include awarming element below a floor of the cavity, to keep the popped cornwarm. Power may be supplied to the upper unit for connection to one ormore additional electrical components, such as to a kettle assembly andits electric heating element, to one or more lights, whether mountedwithin the upper unit in a manner to illuminate within the cavity or toilluminate signage on one or more faces of the upper unit, and/or to afan or blower that may be used to vent or exhaust from the cavity steamor vapors that may be generated during or after the corn cookingprocess.

Indeed, to light the inside of the cavity of a popcorn machine, it hasbeen common to use an incandescent light bulb. Some popcorn machineseven use a light bulb in the form of a heat lamp, if it is desired toprovide heat for warming from above the popped corn. However, dependingon the size, capacity and type of use contemplated, some popcornmachines will employ a lower heating element that provides warming heatfrom below the popped corn. In any event, an incandescent light bulb orheat lamp will generate significant heat. Accordingly, popcorn machinestend to require that the light bulb be shielded from touch or contact byan operator and from the oil used in the cooking of the popped corn.Even when shielded, an incandescent bulb is susceptible to breakage, andif broken, creates a significant safety and cleaning issue.

Unfortunately, heat shields for incandescent light bulbs or heat lampsalso typically are constructed of stamped sheet metal, which can haverelatively sharp edges and which then needs to be configured formounting to the ceiling (or bottom surface of the upper unit) of thecavity, such as by rivets, screws, welding or other means of mechanicalfastening. Also, use of a popcorn machine tends to cause theaccumulation of debris associated with popped corn, whether bits ofpopped corn, unpopped kernels, oil residue, salt, or the like. As such,a heat shield presents an awkward obstacle to cleaning the surfaceswithin the cavity of the housing as an operator reaches inside of thecavity through an operator access door on one side of the machine. Thiscan be difficult, as the operator must reach through the machine toreach the opposed side walls, the ceiling and the floor of the cavity(or top surface of the base unit), while working around the heat shieldand a protruding light bulb, which also may be very hot. The fixedlocation of a heat shield toward a corner and at the ceiling of acavity, also tends to make it difficult for an operator to clean aroundthe shield and bulb. Indeed, reaching into the cavity of a machine whensurfaces may be very hot, and cleaning around a light bulb and heatshield can be awkward and potentially hazardous, especially if anoperator is not particularly attentive and careful.

The above-mentioned types of shortcomings of popcorn machines have beenpresent for many years. The popcorn machines of the present disclosureaddress many of the aforementioned shortcomings, while providingadvantages that enhance numerous aspects associated with displaying,operating and servicing popcorn machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be setforth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, aswell as will be learned by practice of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure generally provides popcorn machines that seek toprovide numerous advantages when using at least one LED light source forilluminating the cavity of the popcorn machine or otherwise providinglighting effects. An LED light source suitable for use in a popcornmachine can provide an extremely long life cycle, while utilizing lessenergy, and not generating much heat. Given that it remains essentiallycool enough to touch, an LED light source does not require use of a heatshield. This permits use of fewer parts and reduced labor whenconstructing a popcorn machine because one need not provide a separateheat shield, fasteners and holes through the heat shield and the ceilingof the cavity for mounting, as well as the further labor to mount theheat shield.

The LED light source also optionally can be mounted flush with theceiling, as opposed to extending downward into the cavity. This providessignificant advantages when having to reach through the cavity toservice components or when cleaning the interior surfaces of the cavity.The removal of a sheet metal heat shield and a hot light bulbsignificantly reduces the risks of injury, while permitting cleaningmore promptly after use of the machine. In addition, the extended lifeof an LED light source and its lack of sensitivity to temperatures,humidity, jarring and bumping, should reduce the risk of breakage andthe incidence of replacement, and may facilitate factory installation ofthe LED light source in a more sealed manner, that may not requireservicing during the life of the popcorn machine.

With respect to cleanliness, while a light socket for an incandescentlight bulb or heat lamp may include an aperture around the base of thebulb, the optional flush mounting of an LED light source also can beused to close off the area around the light source. This improved flushmounting prevents oily vapors or humidity within the cavity from makingtheir way up and into the upper housing, where they generally are notbeneficial to the equipment.

In addition, LED light sources can be selected to provide variouslighting effects, such as the ability to change the color of the light,or to react to sound. For instance, an LED light source may permit aparticular color of light to be chosen, which may help promote a holidaytheme, or may be used in conjunction with a color of the machine tohonor, for instance, the colors associated with a college or university.Similarly, the LED light source may be set to have the color changeperiodically, or fade from one to another, for entertainment. Theability to react to sounds can provide a lighting experience that willprovide a strobe light effect when corn is popping, or otherentertainment features, such as when following along with music.

It will be appreciated that the unique configurations of lighting forpopcorn machines disclosed herein permit numerous advantages involvingat least initial machine construction, energy use, safety, and ease ofcleaning a popcorn machine. Thus, instead of experiencing theaforementioned disadvantages associated with use of an incandescent bulbor heat lamp and a heat shield, the popcorn machines of the presentdisclosure are intended to enhance the operator's experience byproviding entertainment opportunities, as well as numerous advantageswhen operating, servicing or cleaning the inside of a popcorn machine.

The present disclosure also presents advantageous constructions thataddress lighting aspects that permit personalization of a machine and/ormay enhance the ability of a popcorn machine to attract attention. Suchconstructions include lighting fixtures that do not simply shine anincandescent bulb within the housing to light the cavity where the cornis popped and temporarily stored. The lighting disclosed avoids creatingsignificant heat or an obstruction within the cavity, while optionallyproviding a means of personalization or entertainment. Many of theaforementioned advantageous constructions may be incorporated togetherinto original equipment popcorn machines, while some additionally may beutilized in an aftermarket manner, when applied to existing machines.

In a first aspect, the disclosure presents a popcorn machine thatincludes an upper unit spaced from and above a base unit, and aplurality of side panels that extend between the upper and base unitsand define a cavity, at least one LED light source within the popcornmachine and connected to the upper unit, wherein the LED light sourceprovides light to the cavity.

In another aspect, the disclosure presents a method of providinglighting effects for a popcorn machine including the steps of: providingan LED light source connected to an upper unit of the popcorn machine,providing power to the LED light source, and setting the LED lightsource to provide at least one color of light.

In a further aspect, the disclosure presents a popcorn machine providinglighting effects that includes a housing further having an upper unitspaced from and above a base unit, and a plurality of side panels thattogether with the upper and base units define a cavity, and at least oneLED light source configured to shine light into the cavity.

Thus, the present disclosure presents alternative constructions andconfigurations for popcorn machines that overcome many of theshortcomings of the prior art. Many of the teachings herein addressaspects of prior art popcorn machines that have made such machines moreproblematic for cleaning or servicing, than desired.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and provided forpurposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive of the subjectmatter claimed. Further features and objects of the present disclosurewill become more fully apparent in the following description of thepreferred embodiments and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made to theaccompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like referencenumerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art popcorn machine thatincludes an incandescent light bulb and a heat shield.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the prior art popcorn machine ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a close up front perspective view of the incandescent lightbulb and heat shield of the prior art popcorn machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a close up side perspective view of the incandescent lightbulb and heat shield of the prior art popcorn machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of a socket for the incandescentlight bulb of the prior art popcorn machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an inventive popcorn machinehaving an LED light source.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the popcorn machine of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a close up front perspective view of the LED light source ofthe popcorn machine of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a close up side perspective view of the LED light source ofthe popcorn machine of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a close up perspective view of a connection to the LED lightsource of the popcorn machine of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a user operating a remote controldevice to control the LED light source of the popcorn machine of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an example LED light source suchas is shown in the popcorn machine of FIGS. 6-11.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of an example LED light source suchas is shown in the popcorn machine of FIGS. 6-11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a remote control device for use withthe LED light source of the popcorn machine of FIGS. 6-11.

It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale. While somemechanical details of a popcorn machines and other plan and sectionviews of the particular components have not been included, such detailsare considered well within the comprehension of those of skill in theart in light of the present disclosure. It also should be understoodthat the claimed subject matter is not limited to the exampleembodiments illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, a prior art popcorn machine is shown.Disclosed in FIGS. 6-14 is a popcorn machine and components for themachine that provide an example of the types of apparatus that mayinclude the inventive subject matter herein. It will be appreciated thatpopcorn machines of the present disclosure generally may be embodiedwithin numerous configurations, having one or more of the advantageousfeatures disclosed herein. Indeed, while acknowledging that all exampleconfigurations that may include the various advantageous features ofpopcorn machines and methods of making and using such machines need notbe shown herein, it is contemplated that popcorn machines mayincorporate various combinations of the advantageous features taughtherein.

Turning to FIGS. 1-5, an example prior art popcorn machine 2 isillustrated. The popcorn machine 2 includes a housing 4, having an upperunit 6 having a lower surface 8, and a base unit 10 having an uppersurface 12, as well as a plurality of side panels 14, which togetherdefine a cavity 15. Note that a pair of hinged doors that serve as theside panels on the front of the popcorn machine 2 and that areassociated with the opening for the operator to reach into the cavity15, have been removed from the popcorn machine 2 for enhanced viewing ofthe other components. The lower surface 8 of the upper unit 6 serves asa ceiling of the cavity 15, while the upper surface 12 of the base unit10 serves as a floor of the cavity 15. A power cord 16 bringselectricity to the popcorn machine 2 and is connected to the base unit10.

Within the cavity 15 is a kettle assembly 18 for heating oil to cook thecorn. The kettle assembly 18 hangs from kettle supports 20. The kettlesupports 20 are connected to the ceiling 8 of the cavity 15 byconventional means, such as by use of mechanical fasteners. Anincandescent light bulb 22, such as a 60 watt light bulb, is shownextending downward from an aperture 28 in the ceiling 8, and is shieldedfrom inadvertent contact by an operator by a heat shield 24. The heatshield 24 is constructed of stamped stainless steel sheet metal and hasan upper edge that is bent to be horizontal to provide a mountingflange, with holes therethrough that receive fasteners 26, in the formof rivets, for mounting of the heat shield 24 to the ceiling 8 on theunderside of the upper unit 6.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, connected to the upper side of the panel thatforms the ceiling 8 of the cavity 15 is a socket 30, which is aligned orconcentric with the aperture 28 through which the incandescent bulb 22extends. Indeed, the screw-in base of the incandescent light bulb 22extends upward through the aperture 28 and is threadably received in thesocket 30. The socket 30 is connected to a bracket 32, which in turn isconnected to the ceiling 8 by additional fasteners 34, in the form ofrivets, for mounting the bracket 32 to the ceiling 8 on the underside ofthe upper unit 6. The socket 30 receives power via wires 36 that areconnected to a control panel 38 for the popcorn machine 2. The controlpanel 38 ultimately receives power from the power cord 16, via wiringwithin the popcorn machine 2.

Unfortunately, the incandescent bulb 22 and sheet metal heat shield 24are not particularly attractive. They also consume a fairly large amountof space within the cavity, and present obstacles to quick and efficientcleaning of the interior surfaces of the cavity 15, such as the ceiling8 or the inner surfaces of the side panels 14. Especially when hot, thebulb 22 and shield 24 could pose a risk of burning or cutting anoperator that is not being careful.

In addition, the prior art popcorn machine 2, with a downward extendingincandescent light bulb 22, poses a risk of glass breakage, which couldresult in a hazard wherein broken glass could fall into the cavity 15that collects the popped corn. This would result in a significantcleaning task, while also causing unnecessary downtime for the machine.Moreover, it is no secret that incandescent bulbs are not particularlyenergy efficient. A typical 60 watt bulb produces around 800 lumens andabout 85 Btu's per hour of heat. If additional heat is not needed in thecavity, then the heat ultimately is wasted energy. Incandescent lightbulbs also are not particularly durable, with a filament that is fairlyeasily broken, and a life span that may average around 1200 hours ofuse. In addition, when in a typical mounting, such as is shown in theprior art popcorn machine 2, the light bulb 22 extends through theaperture 28 that unfortunately also permits the air in the machine,which can include oily vapors and humidity, to circulate up into theupper unit 6. This infiltration into the upper unit 6 generally is notgood for the cleanliness or longevity of the equipment.

Turning to FIGS. 6-14, one sees an example of a popcorn machine 102 andcomponents for the machine that provide an example of the types ofadvantageous apparatus and methods that may include the inventivesubject matter herein.

The popcorn machine 102 includes a housing 104, having an upper unit 106having a lower surface 108, and a base unit 110 having an upper surface112, as well as a plurality of side panels 114, which together define acavity 115. The base and upper units 106, 110 may be made of suitablematerials, which may include stamped steel, such as stainless steel,aluminum, plastics or any other materials that perform well inenvironments that are subjected to heat and food products.

The side panels 114 of this example preferably include at least onetransparent portion and may be constructed of a durable material that issuitable for contacting a food product, such as glass or plastic.However, it will be appreciated that any of the side panels in theirentirety, or any portions thereof, may be non-transparent and may beconstructed of glass, plastic or other suitable materials, such asaluminum, stainless steel, or the like. In this example, the side panels114 are joined together in the corners by a plurality of corner columnsthat extend vertically between the base unit 110 and upper unit 106. Itwill be understood that popcorn machines could utilize side panels thatclose only a portion of a side of a machine but that still help definethe cavity 115. Also, of note, a pair of hinged doors that serve as theside panels on the front of the popcorn machine 102, and that areassociated with the opening for the operator to reach into the cavity115, have been removed from the popcorn machine 102 for enhanced viewingof the other components.

In this example popcorn machine 102, the lower surface 108 of the upperunit 106 serves as a ceiling of the cavity 115, while the upper surface112 of the base unit 110 serves as a floor of the cavity 115. A powercord 116 brings electricity to the popcorn machine 102 and is connectedto the base unit 110.

Within the cavity 115 is a kettle assembly 118 for heating oil to cookthe corn. The kettle assembly 118 hangs from kettle supports 120. Thekettle assembly 118 and kettle supports 120 may be constructed ofstainless steel or other suitable materials. The kettle supports 120 areconnected to the upper unit 106 at the ceiling 108 of the cavity 115 byconventional means, such as by use of mechanical fasteners, which mayinclude screws, rivets, welding or other suitable means of connection.

In this example popcorn machine 102, an LED light source 122 is shown inthe form of a bulb having color changing and sound reactive features,while being able to produce suitable light. For instance, a commerciallyavailable LED light source in the form of a bulb ranging from 3-8 wattsmay be suitable, although the light intensity may be a matter of choice.Thus, the LED light source 122 is configured and adapted to selectivelyprovide at least two colors of light and to react to sound, such as byturning on or off in response to encountering a sound. Such bulbs arecommercially available from multiple companies. It will, however, beappreciated that the LED light source may be of a type that provides asingle color of light, or that is not configured to react to sounds,while still providing many of the advantages discussed herein.

The advantageous LED light source 122 of this example is shown beinglocated in a flush mounting configuration relative to the ceiling 108,at the aperture 128 through the ceiling 108. Thus, the LED light source122 is configured to shine light into the cavity 115, but due to itsrelatively compact size and length, and its low energy dissipation inthe form of heat, it may be flush mounted, so as to conceal all but aportion of the face and the lens of the LED light source 122, ifdesired. Accordingly, the LED light source 122 may be installed and usedwithout the need for a heat shield, or the concern for the potentiallyhazardous conditions that can occur when an operator is working around ahot incandescent light bulb, a heat lamp or a sheet metal heat shield,while providing a closed area around the face of the LED light source.

As may be seen in FIG. 10, connected to the upper side of the panel thatforms the ceiling 108 of the cavity 115 is a socket 130, which isaligned or concentric with the aperture 128, over which the LED lightsource 122 is flush mounted. It will, however, be understood that an LEDlight source of a different shape or size, such as a different bulbconfiguration or LED strip lighting, may alternatively reside adjacentthe upper unit 106, in a position entirely above the ceiling 108,extending down through an aperture in the ceiling and into the cavity115, or being connected below the ceiling 108, while still achieving anumber of the advantages of using an LED light source discussed herein.Indeed, multiple LED light sources could be positioned in associationwith corresponding apertures through the ceiling 108, or even mounted tothe underside of the ceiling 108, such as with LED strip or tapelighting, if a more even distribution of light is desired, or if thereis a desire to provide multiple, coordinated lighting effects.

The particular LED light source 122 shown in this example happens toconveniently include a screw-in base that is similar to that of anincandescent light bulb. Thus, in this example, the LED light source 122is threadably received in the socket 130, which can be a socket ofsimilar construction to that of a prior art machine. The socket 130 isconnected to a bracket 132, which in turn may be connected to theceiling 108 or to other components or side portions of the upper unit106, such as by additional fastening means, including rivets, screws,welding or other suitable means (not shown). It will, however, beappreciated that the LED light source could be of a differentconfiguration that does not have a screw-in base, such as with LED striplighting, and would then need to be accommodated by a suitable socket orother electrical connector, and appropriate connection either above orbelow the ceiling 108 of the cavity 115.

In the example shown, the LED light source 122 is connected to a powersource for the popcorn machine 102. The LED light source 122 isconnected to the socket 130, which in turn, is connected via wires 136to a control panel 138 for the popcorn machine 102. The control panel138 ultimately receives power from the power cord 116, via wiring withinthe popcorn machine 102. The power cord 116 may be plugged into andreceive electricity from a suitable wall socket.

It can be readily seen in the various front and side views that the useof the LED light source 122, with its flat face and being mounted flushwith the lower surface or ceiling 108 of the upper unit 106 mounting tothe ceiling 108, provides a particularly sleek and attractive appearancefor the ceiling panel 108, free from the obstructions and hazards posedin the prior art by use of an incandescent bulb or heat lamp and a heatshield. This presents a unique opportunity for convenient cleaningwithin the cavity 115 of the popcorn machine 102. For instance, becauseof the cool temperatures associated with operation of an LED lightsource, the bulb 122 is at most warm to the touch and may be cleanedimmediately after use. Moreover, the area is much more accessible andthe dirt and oily residue no longer have crevices and other areas orsurfaces to cling to that would be associated with a heat shield. Suchareas and surfaces are particularly bothersome and can be difficult toclean in the prior art device. The lack of a heat shield and bulb alsoenhances the ability of an operator to freely reach through the machineto clean the interior surfaces of the cavity 115, such as the ceiling108 and side panels 114.

With a flush mounting or relatively low profile, and use of thickerand/or less breakable materials than an incandescent light bulb, the LEDlight source 122 is particularly advantageous and helps to avoidbreakage. Moreover, an LED light source, regardless of itsconfiguration, is far more efficient and has much greater durabilitythan an incandescent light bulb. For instance, the light produced by atypical 60 watt incandescent light bulb 22 may be replaced by an LEDlight source that uses 5-8 watts. In addition, an LED light sourceshould produce roughly 5% or less of the heat of an incandescent lightbulb that produces comparable light or lumens. The reduction in heatimproves safety, while an LED light source also is more durable, withlow sensitivity to low temperatures, to humidity, to on/off cycling andto jarring or bumping. With an estimated average life span ofapproximately 50,000 hours, roughly 40 times that of an incandescentlight bulb, an LED light source also effectively should last the life ofthe popcorn machine. The durability and life span of an LED light sourceshould help reduce machine downtime, as well as the time required forcleaning. Over the life of a popcorn machine, this could be quitesignificant.

In addition, if flush mounted to the ceiling 108, the LED light sourcealso may close the aperture 128 in the ceiling 108 and prevent oilyvapors and humidity from entering into the upper unit 106 through theaperture 128. Alternatively, even if an LED light source is used thatextends downward through an aperture in the ceiling 108, such as theaperture 128, the relatively cool operating temperature of an LED lightsource will permit use of a gasket or seal to otherwise close the areaaround the portion of the LED light source that would extend through theaperture in the ceiling.

The lighting system disclosed herein may be used to provide lightingeffects for a popcorn machine. For example, with the popcorn machine 102shown in FIGS. 6-14, an LED light source, such as LED light source 122,is connected to an upper unit 106 of the popcorn machine 102. Power isprovided to the LED light source 122, as described above, via the powercord 116 and wiring to the control panel 138 and through the wires 136that are connected to the socket 130 that receives the LED light source122. The LED light source 122 then may be manipulated by an operator byusing a remote control device, such as is shown in FIGS. 11 and 14,which may be purchased with some commercially available LED lightsources.

For instance, an operator may aim a remote control device 140 at the LEDlight source 122, as shown in FIG. 11, and depress any of the selectedbuttons 142 on the remote control device 140 to achieve a variety ofdesired lighting effects. For example, the operator may simply depress abutton to set the LED light source 122 to send a signal to the LED lightsource which receives the signal and may provide at least one color oflight. Alternatively, the operator may choose to use the remote controldevice 140 to set the LED light source 122 to provide a plurality ofcolors of light. The plurality, or at least two colors may be controlledto change abruptly or to fade from one to another. The operator also mayselect to have the LED light source 122 provide light continuously or toflash. If the LED light source includes a sound reactive feature, theoperator may select the feature to have the LED light source react tosounds. Given the sounds generated when popping corn, this can produce alighting effect that is somewhat similar to a strobe light, but which istailored to the actual sounds created by the popping corn. It will beappreciated that a variety of lighting effects may be employed toprovide entertainment or enjoyment not previously experienced withpopcorn machines in the prior art, while also providing the numerousother aforementioned advantages.

It will be appreciated that popcorn machines and components for popcornmachines that are constructed in accordance with the present disclosuremay be provided in various configurations individually or incombinations. Any variety of suitable materials of construction,configurations, shapes and sizes for the components and methods ofconnecting the components and shipping the components may be utilized tomeet the particular needs and requirements of an end user. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can bemade in the design and construction of such popcorn machines withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter, andthat the claims are not limited to the preferred embodiments illustratedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A popcorn machine comprising: an upper unitspaced from and above a base unit; a plurality of side panels thatextend between the upper and base units and define a cavity; at leastone LED light source within the popcorn machine and connected to theupper unit, wherein the LED light source provides light to the cavity.2. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the LED lightsource further comprises an LED light bulb.
 3. A popcorn machine inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the LED light source further comprisesa color changing feature that produces at least two colors of light. 4.A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the LED lightsource further comprises a sound reactive feature.
 5. A popcorn machinein accordance with claim 1, wherein the LED light source furthercomprises a threaded base portion configured to be screwed into a socketthat is configured for use with an incandescent light bulb or heat lamp.6. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the LED lightsource stays cool enough during use to permit touching by an operator.7. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein a lower surfaceof the upper unit is without obstruction by a heat shield in thevicinity of the LED light source.
 8. A popcorn machine in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the LED light source is connected to a powersource for the popcorn machine.
 9. A popcorn machine in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the LED light source is responsive to a signalgenerated by a remote control device.
 10. A popcorn machine inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the LED light source is configured formounting flush with a lower surface of the upper unit.
 11. A popcornmachine in accordance with claim 10, wherein the flush mounting providesa closed area around a face of the LED light source.
 12. A method ofproviding lighting effects for a popcorn machine comprising the stepsof: providing an LED light source connected to an upper unit of thepopcorn machine; providing power to the LED light source; and settingthe LED light source to provide at least one color of light.
 13. Amethod of providing lighting effects for a popcorn machine in accordancewith claim 12, wherein the step of setting the LED light source toprovide at least one color of light further includes setting the LEDlight source to provide a plurality of colors of light.
 14. A method ofproviding lighting effects for a popcorn machine in accordance withclaim 12, wherein the step of setting the LED light source to provide atleast one color of light further includes setting the LED light sourceto provide the at least one color of light in reaction to sounds.
 15. Apopcorn machine providing lighting effects comprising: a housing furthercomprising an upper unit spaced from and above a base unit, and aplurality of side panels that together with the upper and base unitsdefine a cavity; and at least one LED light source configured to shinelight into the cavity.
 16. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim15, wherein the LED light source is positioned adjacent the upper unit.17. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the LED lightsource is positioned entirely above a lower surface of the upper unit.18. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the LED lightsource is adapted to selectively provide at least two colors of light.19. A popcorn machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the LED lightsource further comprises a sound reactive feature.
 20. A popcorn machinein accordance with claim 15, wherein the LED light source is responsiveto a signal generated by a remote control device.